Sweet and Salty Pretzel Drop Cookies

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pretzel drop cookies

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Pretzels. Caramel. Chocolate. Sometimes even raisins. Combine these magnificent ingredients, and you’ve got a cookie that’s just about unstoppable. Trust me, the sweetness of the chocolate harmoniously mingling with the saltiness of the pretzels will take your cookie experience to the next level.

No kidding, my boyfriend carted these gems to work and reported back that nearly all of them vanished by noon. Yeah, they’re that good.

ultimate pretzel cookies

The Story Behind the Cookie

You know how it goes—last minute requests for “Can you make some treats for my work?” Well, that’s exactly what happened. My boyfriend sprung this on me, and like any resourceful kitchen guru, I raided my pantry. Surprise, surprise—I found myself low on my usual go-to cookie ingredients. So, I got creative and went with what I had: pretzels, caramel nibs, a modest smattering of chocolate chips, and yes, some rogue raisins.

ingredients for pretzel cookies

Here’s What You Need

  • Flour: The foundation of your cookies; provides structure and stability.
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture; helps in the creaming process for a soft, chewy texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps in creating a crispy edge when baked.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture; contributes to a chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together; adds moisture.
  • Vanilla: Gives an aromatic flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
  • Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes your cookies rise and become fluffy.
  • Pretzels: Add a salty crunch, contrasting the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Offers sweet, melty bursts of chocolate in each bite.
  • Caramel Nibs: Provide small pockets of gooey, caramel sweetness.
  • Raisins: Optional; add a fruity, chewy contrast to the salty and sweet elements.
pretzel cookie dough

Let’s Cook!

Grab a bowl—better yet, if you have a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, now’s the time to whip it out—and toss all your ingredients in. Mix ’em up until they’re well combined. Heads up: the dough is gonna be super sticky, which is why it’s a great idea to use spoons or a greased measuring cup to scoop out 2-3 tablespoon-sized portions of this gooey goodness.

pretzel cookie dough balls

Extra Flair

Oh, and did I mention? I added some extra pretzel pieces right on top of each cookie for that extra crunch and pizzazz. Just can’t resist making things look as fun as they taste!

easy caramel pretzel cookies

Engineers Approved

Let me just say, these cookies were an absolute smash with the engineers at my boyfriend’s workplace. I mean, who could resist a cookie studded with pretzel pieces jutting out like tasty little antennas?

caramel raisin pretzel cookies

Ready to get your hands doughy and your kitchen smelling like a cookie haven? You’ve got all the details, the ins and outs, and even some extra nuggets of wisdom. Now, all that’s left is for you to dive in and let those flavors dance. Go on, give those engineers—or whoever’s lucky enough to snag a cookie—a run for their money. Enjoy!

pretzel-cookies

Ultimate Chunky Pretzel Drop Cookies

The Starving Chef
These ultimate chunky pretzel drop cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine Cookies
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Sift the flour mixture into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture about a quarter cup at a time, stirring thoroughly as you go.
  • Add in the crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, caramel nibs, and raisins (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Using spoons, create rounded dough balls and drop them onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press any remaining pretzel pieces into the tops of each cookie for that extra crunch.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Keyword chocolate, cookies, pretzel
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